Iorhee Saanmoyol Paul, a 100-level student at Taraba State Polytechnic, was electrocuted while raising a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag, resulting in the amputation of both of his hands.
The incident happened on May 21, 2025, at Jalingo, the state capital, next to the polytechnic entrance along the roadblock leading to ATC Road.
A serious electric shock was caused when the flagpole’s metal handle unintentionally touched a high tension electrical line.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Paul was sent to the National Orthopedic Hospital, which is part of the Taraba State Specialist Hospital, after being taken to Gilead Hospital in Jalingo for emergency care.
On June 19, 2025, following 28 days of critical care, doctors attempted to save his life by performing a double amputation.
So far, the state government has assumed responsibility for his medical expenses.
Speaking, the Coordinator of Operation Keep Taraba Clean, Iliya Kefas, expressed hope for Paul’s recovery and urged the government to go further by providing prosthetic limbs and vocational training.
Paul, who remains under medical care, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he has received but appealed for more assistance to enable him to regain independence.
“My joy today is that I am alive, but I couldn’t fulfill my plans in life. When I woke up in the hospital, I asked myself, ‘Why am I alive?’ But the scripture says there is nothing you can give in exchange for your life. So I must thank God,” he said.
Paul added, “Today, my classmates are writing their first-semester exams, and I’m here. That’s God.”
